COLUMBUS- The Ohio House of Representatives passed the state’s two year operating budget this afternoon, Sub. HB 59, without including the expansion of Medicaid-- despite widespread support from groups all across the political spectrum and the healthcare industry. Medicaid expansion would have provided healthcare coverage to more than 275,000 Ohioans, 26,000 veterans, and create an estimated 28,000 jobs in the healthcare field.

“The extreme GOP voted down 13 billion in federal aid that would deliver critical Medical services to veterans, uninsured and the working poor. The expansion of Medicaid became a hot political football, and the conservative GOP and tea party officials decided to stand on the side line and watch the game clock expire, instead of joining the House Democratic caucus and be part of the team that would help move the state forward. The Ohio House of Representatives is a carbon copy of the U.S. House of Representatives. Both chambers are led by Republicans who are continuing to be out of touch with the people they serve.”

Democratic members of the Ohio House pulled a discharge petition today before session in a final effort to move Medicaid expansion – House Bill 176 – directly to the floor for a vote. They called on Gov. Kasich to help get the eleven Republican signatures necessary to ensure the budget reflects the priorities of Ohioans and provides commonsense healthcare to those in need.